Dutch fleet customers expect over 400 kilometres of range

The Netherlands is considered a relatively open market for new technologies. Without domestic car manufacturers, the influence of businesses on market trends is limited, and tax regulations enabled hybrid cars to achieve widespread adoption relatively early. The country is also a leader in electric vehicle adoption, as demonstrated by the registration figures published by the European industry association ACEA. Its small size and flat terrain provide ideal conditions for EVs, and thanks to companies like Fastned, a dense network of fast chargers was established early on—helping to alleviate the much-cited ‘range anxiety’.

A survey conducted by BMW Netherlands among 655 leasing drivers has provided interesting insights into the local fleet customer market. “When asked how much range their next electric lease car should have, almost everyone in this group said at least 400 km. A third of them want more than 500 km,” BMW reported. “The main reasons for this are limiting charging times, comparability with their current car, and flexibility for work and vacations.”

For context: 400 kilometres roughly corresponds to the driving distance (not as the crow flies) between the northernmost and southernmost points of the country, while the Netherlands is narrower from east to west. With 400 kilometres of range, one could drive across the entire country without stopping to charge—although countless charging points are available along the way. However, daily commutes may vary depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, the BMW statement does not clarify whether the kilometre figures refer to expected real-world range or the WLTP value—many electric vehicles already achieve 400 km under WLTP, but 400 or even 500 km of real-world range would require a particularly high-range battery-electric vehicle.

The survey also revealed key insights into the reasons why customers choose or reject electric vehicles. Four out of ten company car drivers now drive fully electric. “Employers have a significant influence on their employees’ decisions. More than a third of leasing drivers are required to drive fully electric,” according to BMW. Alongside employer requirements, key factors include leasing costs and driving comfort, followed by suitability for private use (sufficient space for a family), additional tax burdens, and range. “Environmental considerations play almost no role in vehicle choice; fewer than one in ten take them into account,” BMW noted.

The survey also found that four out of ten respondents would not choose a fully electric lease vehicle as a replacement for their current car. “This group primarily drives petrol or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Practicality is a major concern for them. They fear range limitations and frequent charging,” the statement said. “Around 15 percent of this group, who still have reservations, want to choose their powertrain themselves and prefer independence from charging infrastructure.”

Another key finding is summarised by BMW under the slogan “Once electric, always electric”: “Of those who would choose an electric vehicle, 70 percent already own one. Apparently, you have to experience electric driving for yourself to be convinced.”

bmwblog.com, bmwgroup.com (statement in Dutch)